My company gives bonuses every year. They are about 50% based on overall company performance, revenues, profitability etc. The other 50% is performance based. The lower you are on the ladder, the more performance is judged as part of a team, the higher, the more emphasis is on individual performance.

Of course, our base salaries are lower as a result of having a bonus, so don't think we are "lucky" to have it.

I have heard of ways to increase bonuses not on the list, at previous employers, and before Sarbanes Oxley. People would delay making a sale if they had already maxed out their bonus potential for the year/quarter, so that they could ensure they got a good bonus next quarter.